“Medicare is considerably stronger than it was just four years ago,” Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said Monday. She noted that slower growth of the program’s spending will very likely mean that the Medicare Part B premium charged to beneficiaries — currently — remains the same for the third year in a row. “That’s a growth rate of zero percent,” she noted.

The trustees cited slower growth in health care spending and expected savings from Obamacare for extending the solvency of the hospital trust fund. Judith Stein, executive director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, said in a press release that the trustees’ report effectively demonstrates that Medicare is a healthy, viable program. She added:

It continues to be an efficient, cost-effective program that Americans can count on for future generations. It should be protected as one of our great success stories.

Despite Medicare’s slightly healthier financial outlook, the program is still financially unsustainable over the long run. Because of that, the trustees have called for congressional action to address Medicare. According to The Washington Post:

“Some might be tempted to conclude from these good news trends that Medicare may be healing its financial maladies all by itself and that no further action will be needed,” said Robert Reischauer, the Democratic public trustee. “That would not be a prudent conclusion.”

A reduction in benefits and increases in taxes may be necessary to avoid cuts to Medicare in the future, The Associated Press said.

Because of the uncertainty of health care costs, the trustees’ report said predicting Medicare’s future is a challenge. The Post said:

Projections of Medicare costs are highly uncertain, especially when looking out more than several decades. One reason for uncertainty is that scientific advances will make possible new interventions, procedures, and therapies. … No one knows whether these future developments will, on balance, increase or decrease costs.

Were you surprised to see Medicare’s solvency grow to 2030? Share your thoughts below or on our Facebook page.

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Comments & discussion

We welcome your opinions, but let’s keep it civil. Like many businesses, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. In our case, that means those who communicate by name-calling, racism, using words designed to hurt others or generally acting like an uninformed bully. Also, comments that include links to email addresses or commercial websites typically aren't posted. This isn't a place to advertise your business.

Hunter

Yeah it should be, I just went to the hospital for a possible heart attack!, they did all the tests in the NEW KDHospital in Madison, Indiana, and Medicare paid squat compared to the $2ooo.oo dollar’s they charged me. Now I owe KDHospital $12oo.oo dollars? The Government give’s me $950.00/month disability? Do the math!

http://www.moneytalksnews.com/ Stacy Johnson

John, your comment was deleted for name-calling. Be courteous or be gone.

Hunter

Yeah John, do you know how to be courteous? My wife works and her low income is what is stopping me from further help! Perhaps you could call and let the government known what their doing wrong? LOL!